Adaptive material actuators for Coanda effect circulation control slots

Abstract

A system and method of use are provided for introducing tangential control fluid flows along the surface of an aerodynamic member. The fluid flows are directed toward a coanda surface disposed at the trailing edge of the aerodynamic member. At least two injection slots are provided on opposite sides of the aerodynamic member to produce opposing forces. Control of the flow of fluid from each slot determines the net effect of these opposing forces. Smart material actuators are used to control the flow of fluid from each slot by varying the size of each slot.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A system for controlling the flow field around an aerodynamic member, said system comprising:
 a chamber disposed in the aerodynamic member, said chamber capable of containing a pressurized control fluid; 
 a first injection slot in communication with said chamber and disposed on a first side of the aerodynamic member adjacent a trailing edge of the aerodynamic member; 
 a second injection slot in communication with said chamber and disposed on a second side of the aerodynamic member adjacent the trailing edge, the first side substantially opposite the second side; and 
 a control mechanism to distribute a flow of the pressurized control fluid from said chamber through said first and second injection slots such that the flow of the pressurized control fluid controls the flow field around the aerodynamic member; 
 wherein said chamber comprises an opening adjacent the trailing edge of the aerodynamic member; 
 wherein said control mechanism comprises a permanently stationary member by being secured to an anchor structure with said stationary member disposed in the opening and forming said first injection slot between said stationary member and a first edge of said opening and said second injection slot between said stationary member and a second edge of said opening and wherein said control mechanism comprises a first actuator in communication with said first edge to move said first edge with respect to said stationary member to adjust the size of said first injection slot and wherein said control mechanism comprises a second actuator in communication with said second edge to move said second edge with respect to the stationary member to adjust the size of said second injection slot.